Deacons on top against Chargers

Chargers might have taken away Progressive’s knockout crown by trampling RBC/RBTT Deacons in straight sets in a preliminary match.
However, big squad or not, Chargers found out on Wednesday night that it is a different matter when they are hunting Deacons’ League crown.
In the battle of the last two undefeated teams which was staged at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, Chargers tottered on the ignominy of losing to Deacons in straight sets and a possible shut out of the League title before dropping in five sets, 17-25, 21-25, 25-20, 25-23, 15-10.
Deacons can only blame themselves for allowing Chargers the chance to return in the second round to vie for the title.
Before the game, former national captain Elwyn Oxley vowed that he would roll back at least eight years so that Chargers would not beat his team again.
Oxley then set about to play a vicious attacking game which was matched by teammates Sheldon Roach and Kyle Browne.
With Jamaican Mark Lewis and his Chargers’ teammates playing as flat as a Bourda pitch, it took a belated introduction of Dale Addison, who doubled as setter and spiker, to give Deacons a challenge.  
However, it was the quibbling of Deacons over the officiating which also contributed heavily to Chargers sneaking back in the third and fourth set.
Even so, Oxley and Roach saw veteran Andy Jordan enjoying his best outing of the season to take charge of the decisive fifth set which saw Chargers gaining some consolation points only when Deacons had almost reached home, 14-8.
With the rescheduled game against the unfancied O-Aces on Monday, Deacons should enter Round 2 with a 6/0 record and a maximum 30 points. Chargers, who are 4/1 with 22 points, will meet Progressive in their final Round 1 game with Progressive on 4/1 with 21 points. Chargers need to win that game and finish the round on 27 points to contend with Deacons for the title in the second round.
Progressive had rallied behind some thunderous spiking by Fabian Cox to cool Sunpower Foundation United, 25-15, 25-27, 25-16, 25-20. The women’s matches saw Warrens keeping Plus The Club winless, 25-15, 22-25, 25-16, 25-14, while Sentry Insurance Brokers Deacons stopped Carefree Toners, 25-15, 22-25, 25-14, 25-12.